Neuron

You are a being of light who is brought up into existence in an unknown world, you are completely unaware of your surroundings and are unsure where you came from. There is only one visible path forward to be explored to find out more about this world. ''Will you take the step forward in this unknown world?'' [[Take the Step]] [[Don't]]

You begin to take your first set of steps in this new world. The sky around you is dark and you can’t seem to make out too much in the distance except for some vibrant blue lights. The ground you stand on is a dark blue surface that resembles solidified gel. As you continue to get the hang of walking you are met with a platform that is clearly higher than you can get to by just walking. ''How will you approach it?'' [[Attempt to Jump]] [[Ignore it]]

You continue to contemplate your existence as you begin to sit down in this environment, hearing quiet voices in the atmosphere. //Of course, have the choice to explore this further but will you?// [[Get up and take that step!->Take the Step]] [[Continue to sit and stay there]]

As you think about jumping onto this platform you begin to bend your legs to push yourself off the ground, and after a couple of failed attempts of getting enough height you make a spectacular leap and grab onto the edge of the platform and climb up. ''Now that you’ve made it up to this platform, what will you do?'' [[Observe the surroundings]] [[Push forward]]

As you continue to stay where you are, contemplating existence. You gaze at the twinkling blue lights you see off in the distance, for that is the only thing you can see from where you are sitting down. ''Are you ready to explore the world yet?'' [[Yes!->Take the Step]] [[No]]

You continue to sit there…doing nothing… [[Take the Step Please? ->Take the Step]] [[Stay->Stay1]]

You continue to sit there even more…doing absolutely nothing productive… [[Take the Step Pretty Please?->Take the Step]] [[Stay->Stay2]]

As you decide to do nothing productive for what seems like an eternity (good job on that…you’re really something) The world around you begins to brighten up as those voices you heard when you first got here get louder and echo. You can actually somewhat make out what is being said ⏤ //“You have a beautiful baby boy!”// [[What was that? -> Transition3]] (set:$childgender to 'Boy') (set:$childpronoun1 to 'he') (set:$childpronoun2 to 'him') (set:$childname to 'Mike')

Looking around on this higher platform, you begin to notice more bright blue lights off in the distance. Enough to visually make out even more clusters of land. The sight truly is something to behold like nothing you’ve ever seen. Right as you continue your gaze on the surroundings, you start to hear very faint voices. You can’t discern where they are coming from though. ''Shall you press on?'' [[Yes Push On!->Push forward]] [[Stay awhile]]

As you decide to push forward you begin to see the blue lights brighten up as you hear the voices around you get louder and begin to echo. You are now able to discern what the voices are saying ⏤ //“Oh, what a wonderful girl you have! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Turner!”// [[What was that?->Transition1]] (set:$childgender to 'Girl') (set:$childpronoun1 to 'she') (set:$childpronoun2 to 'her') (set:$childname to 'Paula')

You walk past this higher platform and continue to be met with a darker environment, with only a few faint forms of blue light you can see. You end up walking for a decent amount of time before you begin to notice a brighter source of light at the end of the path you are currently on, there does not look to be an alternative way to go now. [[Press On to the Light]]

As to continue down this path, the blue light is getting closer and closer. Right as the light is as bright as can be, it’s almost like you went through some form of gate to another place. You are now standing in the middle of a small town, or at least you think it's a town. The structures around you look like livable locations but there is nobody to be found! The next step you take gets interrupted by the lights getting slightly brighter followed by the echoing voices you heard earlier, they are loud enough to the point you can actually understand what is being said ⏤ //“Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Turner, it’s a girl!”// [[What was that? -> Transition2]] (set:$childgender to 'Girl') (set:$childpronoun1 to 'she') (set:$childpronoun2 to 'her') (set:$childname to 'Paula')

You continue to hear very faint voices as well taking more time with the sight before you. The lights you noticed before flicker in a subtle way and there’s no clear reason why yet. The only thing to do now is to push forward. [[Lets Go!->Push forward]]

After hearing these voices, the voices stop for now. Shortly after, you are approached by what looks like an elder version of yourself, except instead of arms this fellow has wings crested with a light blue light. The elder started by saying ⏤ //“Ah, you must be my replacement, It’s good to meet you! I was looking for you, hoping you’d find your way to the town. You must’ve been stuck on the scenery here, it does get beautiful this time of day.“// [[Questions]] (if:visits is 1)[(set: $option to 1)]

After hearing these voices, the voices stop for now. A bit after the voices stop, what looks to be an elder version of yourself, except instead of arms this fellow has wings crested with a light blue light. This elder walks up to you and begins to speak to you ⏤ //“Welcome to your new home, young one! I’m glad you were able to find your way here, you are a very capable replacement.”// [[Questions]] (if:visits is 1)[(set: $option to 2)]

After hearing these voices, you hear a little bit of what sounds like crying. ⏤ //“Ah, this boy is quite healthy. You two should be very proud!”// Shortly after hearing this, your consciousness fades as you blackout ... (live: 8s)[(goto: "Transition 3.1")]

<h1>Neuron</h1> [[Click to Start ->Neuron - Prologue]] [[Credits]] <img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/Neuc.png'>

=|= Creator: Nick Rader Spring 2022 Professor: Dr. Bell Class: GAM-3302 =|= <img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/Me.png'> |==| [[Back->Title Page]]

(if:$option is 1) [ [[Who are you?]] [[Where did you come from?]] [[Your Replacement?]] [[You were looking for me?]] ] (if:$option is 2) [ [[Who are you?]] [[Where did you come from?]] [[Your Replacement?]] [[My new home?]] (if:$someVariable is 1)[] (else:)[] ] (if:$option is 3) [ [[Who are you?]] [[Your Replacement?]] [[You were looking for me?]] [[Where am I?]] (if:$someVariable is 1)[] (elseif:$someVariable is 1)[] (else:)[] ]

//“My name is Soma, I am the first and only being to be created here, though there may be more folk in this world. I tend to get caught up in my work and I don’t explore much. I tend to the devices in the town and send messages worldwide. I suppose there has to be someone else out there who receives my messages. Now we really must be heading to town, we have some work to do!”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

//“Well I was created in likely the same place as you.” Gathering the look on your face the elder understands that is not what you were asking ⏤ “Oh yes, right! I came from a bit further away from where we are now. There is a town where I do all my work, we must go back soon. We have some work to do!”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

//“Why of course! You are my replacement, after all, I was worried you had lost your way so I came searching for you. We must return back to town soon though, there is work to be done! Hopefully, nothing too important has happened in my absence.”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

//“Yes, I have grown old during my time in this world. I am the first being to have been made here after all. I do not know how much longer I have in this world so I was worried I would not be able to continue my work here. So I sent a message out requesting help and here you came to me! This world works in mysterious ways! Now we must be heading back into town, there is some work to be done!”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

//“Yes! I stumbled upon this place when I was about your age! I felt the need to stay here in this town and perform the work I have been doing for what feels like a while now. Now there is much to be done unless you have other questions?”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

//“We are in what I call The Connection, where I’ve been living for most of my time in this world! It is where you will be staying as well, being my replacement after all. Now there is a good amount of work to be done unless you have more questions that is?”// [[Ask more ->Questions]] [[Work to do?]]

The elder smiles at you as you seem driven to assist them. //“Yes! Now follow me!”// ... (live: 5s)[(goto: "Work to do 2")]

As you follow this elder around you eventually find yourself at one of the buildings in the town. He leads you inside and starts to discuss the room you two are in ⏤ //“This is where I deal with auditory messages. Do you know those voices that occurred when you first got here? The ones that cause the lights to brighten up? I call them echoes. This is the place where I process each echo being said in this world, I then send it off for the rest of the world to hear!”// [[How do you do that?]]

You wake up in what looks to be a small town, as you look around, you see a being of what looks to be an elder version of yourself, except instead of arms this fellow has wings crested with a light blue light. This elder approaches with excitement ⏤ //“You’re finally awake! I’m certainly glad I was able to find you. I was wondering when my replacement would arrive so I began searching for you. I was worried you had lost your way.” // [[Questions]] (if:visits is 1)[(set: $option to 3)]

The elder says with excitement ⏤ //“Well it's simple actually!”// The elder points to the large device in the room and says ⏤ //“Let me show you how it works!”// As you and the elder head over to the large device, you notice a large screen that seems to be connected to a keypad with a couple of buttons. //“This device will receive input from the world’s echoes and will display it on this screen here, then all you have to do is hit the green checkmark button to confirm that’s what was heard by you, or the red x button if the input on the screen is not correct. The device will then send the message out that you confirmed to the rest of the world through the many lines connected to this building.”// [[Sounds cool!]] [[What if I heard nothing but the machine picks up something?]]

The elder blushes a rosy blue shade onto their face as they say ⏤ //“I’m glad you think so, now why don’t you try it out! I’m sure an echo will be coming in any second now!”// [[Okay!]]

The elder has a look of confusion on their face as says ⏤ //“Well in my experience that has never happened, but it’s not impossible either. I would guess that’d be a fault in the system because we should be able to hear any echo that the machine does. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Why don’t you try out the machine yourself eh?”// [[Okay!]]

As you approach the device closer, you begin to notice through a window near the device that the world’s lights are starting to brighten up. You know an echo is coming. You prepare to use your ears to hear what the echo says. As the lights become the brightest you’ve seen in a while you start to hear the echo saying ⏤ “Aw, honey don’t we just have the cutest child?” You hear this echo fully as the device’s screen generates the same message as what you heard. [[Hit the Green Checkmark]] [[Hit the Red X]]

You hit the green checkmark button to confirm that is what you had heard. The screen then clears out the message and you notice another screen brighten up showing a status bar. The elder speaks up saying ⏤ //“Great job young one! As you can see, the message is now being prepared for the rest of the world. Now if there is anyone else out there, they’ll be able to hear the echo as well! Why don’t you try another message?”// [[Continue hearing echoes]]

You hit the red x button to deny that the message was what you heard, the message gets cleared and nothing else happens. The elder says with concern ⏤ //“Uhm, I’m pretty sure that message on the screen was correct, at least that’s what I had heard. That’s okay if you got it wrong, it may have been a mis-input. Try again.”// [[Continue hearing echoes]]

The elder smiles at you and says ⏤ //“Well now, I'm certainly glad you seem to enjoy this! We’re yielding in a lot of echoes right now! Look here comes another one!”// You see the lights brighten up and a new echo comes as expected ⏤ //“Honey, did you forget to turn on the washing machine.”// The screen generates the same message. [[Green Checkmark]] [[Red X]]

You confirm the message correctly and that message gets sent off to the rest of the world. You begin the hear another echo coming in almost right after confirming this message ⏤ //“Oh right, let me go turn that on! Sorry honey!”// The screen pops up with the same message, this system seems to work well! [[Green Checkmark->Green Checkmark 2]] [[Red X]]

You falsely deny this message and the screen clears the message. The elder exclaims ⏤ //“Ah the message! Well, you’re still new to all this. Perhaps I had expected too much from you. Here let me show you how it’s done.”// The elder motions you away from the device as they get closer to it. The elder is now operating the device. [[Continue hearing echoes more->Continue hearing echoes more 2]]

You confirm another message correctly and that message gets sent off to the rest of the world. The elder says with joy ⏤ //“You’re a natural at this! you’ll get a hang of this whole system in no time! How about we try one more message?”// [[Continue hearing echoes more]]

As you continue to be in control of the device the lights you see out the window continue to brighten up once more. You prepare your ears so you can really show off to the elder. You begin the hear the next echo saying ⏤ //“Aw, our child is so sweet…I lov…”// [[Continue...->Continue hearing echoes more pt2]]

As you are now watching the elder take control of the device, it is very clear this is not their first time operating it. You both begin to hear a new echo come in saying ⏤ //“Aw, our child is so sweet…I lov…”// [[Continue...->Continue hearing echoes more pt2]]

All of a sudden you hear an extremely loud machinery sound occur as it interrupts the echo you were trying to hear. The loud sound’s persistence is agonizing. You look at the elder as they looked shocked at what is going on, it’s clear this is new for the both of you. [[Continue... ->Continue hearing echoes pt3]] <audio src="https://www.nickrader.com/files/washing-machine.mp3" autoplay>

As the both of you agree that turning the device back on is the best course of action. You press the power on button for the device and right as the device fully boots up the loud echoes return right where they left off. As well as the loud machine sounds you begin to hear loud cries of pain in the background. [[Continue->Turn the device back on pt2]] <audio src="https://www.nickrader.com/files/washing-machine.mp3" autoplay>

You begin to hear a voice stuttering in the echoes saying ⏤ “Crap…the child…need to take…away” As you hear this, the loud machine sounds begin to fade away and the cries of pain begin to calm down. The elder is still in shock from what was going on and states ⏤ //“I’m not exactly sure what just happened, but from I could gather…loud sounds do not match well with our world. Are you alright?”// [[I'm fine]] [[I don't know]] [[I'm scared]]

You nod and confirm that you are alright and the elder smiles with a sweat. //“Well now that’s concluded, how about we take a look at what other responsibilities we have to do?”// [[Alright...]]

//“That’s okay, in reality, I’m not sure how to feel about what just happened either, but now that’s done with, so how about we look into what else is needed to be done around here?”// [[Alright...]]

//“The responsibilities here can be a little daunting, yes, but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of everything in time! I know that situation was scary, especially for someone new. We’ll just have to keep going with what’s next on our list.”// [[Alright...]]

As you agree to continue working with the elder, the elder pats your back and asks ⏤ “By the way, have you been thinking of a name for yourself?” You hear this question and you think about possible names you would like to be called. [[Neuk]] [[Lucy]] [[Zain]] [[Archi]] [[Faven]] [[Jomei]]

(set:$namechoice to 'Neuk') (set:$namemeaning to 'Light of Hope') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

(set:$namechoice to 'Lucy') (set:$namemeaning to 'Light') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

(set:$namechoice to 'Zain') (set:$namemeaning to 'Godly Light') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

(set:$namechoice to 'Archi') (set:$namemeaning to 'Ray of Light') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

(set:$namechoice to 'Faven') (set:$namemeaning to 'Light') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

(set:$namechoice to 'Jomei') (set:$namemeaning to 'One who spreads Light') The elder smiles as they hear your name ⏤ //“Ah $namechoice, meaning '$namemeaning'! What a wonderful name! Anyways, let's get back to work shall we!”// [[Back to work]] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here] (if:visits is 0)[Your Text Here]

As you and the elder head into another room you can't help but notice the similar device from the previous room. [[This is just like the last room!]] [[Hey, this machine looks familiar…]] [[Are you sure this is a different room?]]

“Yes it does! That is because this room is where we will be taking in very similar messages, except this time we are not using our ears. We are using our eyes! You see, the lights in this world respond to certain sensory stimuli. I have not been able to alter the way the lights flicker myself, but I have been able to gather data from the sensory inputs based on how the lights flicker on their own. [[Sensory Stimuli?]] [[What do I do here?]]

//“The machine is familiar because it is the same design as the auditory device. That is because this room is where we will be taking in very similar messages, except this time we are not using our ears. We are using our eyes! You see, the lights in this world respond to certain sensory stimuli. I have not been able to alter the way the lights flicker myself, but I have been able to gather data from the sensory inputs based on how the lights flicker on their own.”// [[Sensory Stimuli?]] [[What do I do here?]]

//“It can be very confusing which room I’m in sometimes too! I assure you, even though these rooms are nearly identical in design is it for a reason. That is because this room is where we will be taking in very similar messages, except this time we are not using our ears. We are using our eyes! You see, the lights in this world respond to certain sensory stimuli. I have not been able to alter the way the lights flicker myself, but I have been able to gather data from the sensory inputs based on how the lights flicker on their own.”// [[Sensory Stimuli?]] [[What do I do here?]]

//“Ah you must’ve not noticed it on your way to town! The lights are inter-twined by what looks to be some form of electrical lines. From what I have noticed during my time here, those lines transfer the sensory inputs from one light to another. Now I know what you’re thinking, and I am unsure where the sensory inputs source actually is.”// [[What do I do here?]]

//“Our job is to simply report how often the lights flicker and this device will help us do just that! The reports that will come from the machine will resemble a line chart, and what we’re looking for is any point over a 1 in frequency. We are to report the number of those points back into the machine and send that message out to the world.”// [[Let's get started!]]

The elder gives a soft laugh and says ⏤ //“I like your enthusiasm! Now what tends to happen most times as you may have figured, is we get echoes coming in as the lights flicker. So I am going to be reporting on the echoes and I’ll trust you to report the lights flickering. I’ll be in the room next door!”// The elder leaves your company to go into the next room and shouts ⏤ //“Watch the lights $namechoice! Here comes something!”// [[Start watching lights]]

You begin to watch as the lights continuously flicker as you are also able to hear an echo saying ⏤ “Honey, do you have that button-up shirt on $childpronoun2 yet?” (live: 8s)[(goto: "Start watching lights 2")]

As you’re hearing this echo, you are seeing the lights flicker as normal. The device completes its analysis of the sensory input and prints out the following line chart: <img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/chart.png'> ''How many points on the graph plotted are greater than 1?'' [[3]] [[4]] [[5]] [[Uh...1?]]

Close but not exact! The correct number was 4! [[Continue watching the lights]]

You entered in the correct number! [[Continue watching the lights]]

You almost had it! The correct number was 4! [[Continue watching the lights]]

Not exactly, remember you need to look for the data points that are greater than 1! Keep trying! The correct number was 4! [[Continue watching the lights]]

Sending your first message off, the elder yells to you ⏤ //“You’re doing great on your own! Keep it up!”// As you continue watching the lights, you see that the lights flicker a bit abnormally as you begin to hear another echo say ⏤ //“Aw, you guys look so good with your little $childgender! That button-up shirt was a good choice!”// [[...->Continue watching the lights 2]]

After hearing this echo The device completes its analysis of the sensory input and prints out the following line chart: <img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/chart2.png'> ''How many points on the graph plotted are greater than 1?'' [[2]] [[4!]] [[5!]] [[Uh....10]]

Not Quite! Keep at it! The correct number was 5! [[Continue watching the lights once more]]

Not exactly, remember you need to look for the data points that are greater than 1! Keep trying! The correct number was 5! [[Continue watching the lights once more]]

You almost had it! The correct number was 5! [[Continue watching the lights once more]]

You entered in the correct number! [[Continue watching the lights once more]]

Sending your second message off, the elder yells to you ⏤ //“We’ll keep at this for one more message! Keep up the good work!”// As you continue watching the lights once more, you see that the lights flicker abnormally as you begin to hear another echo say ⏤ //“Could you calm your kid down, I’m trying to take a good picture for you guys!”// [[...->Continue watching the lights once more 2]]

As you hear this you also begin to hear those same cries of pain that came from the previous echoes you heard with the previous device followed by another echo saying ⏤ //“What’s wrong with $childpronoun2 honey?! I don’t know! Look, we’ll have to continue this another time, we’re so sorry for the trouble!”// Shortly after, the cries of pain begin to stop. [[...->Continue watching the lights once more 3]] <audio src="https://www.nickrader.com/files/cries.mp3" autoplay>

After hearing these echoes, the device completes its analysis of the sensory input and prints out the following line chart: <img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/chart3.png'> ''How many points on the graph plotted are greater than 1?'' [[15]] [[10]] [[21]] [[Uhm...2?]]

You entered in the correct number! Though this frequency is concerning to you in comparison to the previous charts and the crying that you were hearing [[Finish sending the message]]

Not exactly! The correct number is 15, a concerning number all things considered. [[Finish sending the message]]

Thats a bit too much! The correct number is 15, a concerning number all things considered. [[Finish sending the message]]

You might need to get your eyes checked before you operate this device again. The correct number is 15, a concerning number all things considered. [[Finish sending the message]]

As you submit your final message, the elder approaches you from the other room and says ⏤ “You heard those cries right?” [[Yes I did]] [[What are you talking about?]]

“Well, that’s certainly unfortunate. I was hoping I was just hearing things in my old age. Let me see those reports from the device you were using to at least match things up.” [[Hand the elder the report]]

“You didn’t hear those cries of pain? Maybe I was just hearing things, though the auditory device was picking up some interesting things. Let me see those reports from the device you were using to at least match things up.” [[Hand the elder the report]]

As you hand over the printed out charts over to the elder the elder takes a minute to review each in full. The elder then says ⏤ //“Hmm, well these reports definitely confirms my suspicions. The echoes are for sure linked with the lights flickering. Therefore, the auditory senses we are hearing are connected to the sensory signals we see affecting the lights.”// [[Interesting->Hand the elder the report 2]]

“Indeed, the major concern I am having with this new data is the fact that this never happened until you came here. For example, look at this final chart.” The elder begins to show you the final chart you collected again... (live: 8s)[(goto: "Hand the elder the report 3")]

<img src='https://www.nickrader.com/images/chart3.png'> “As you can see with this chart, almost every data point here was over 1 in frequency. It’s normal to have that every now and then like with the previous 2 charts, but not the whole time at least from my experience.” [[Hm...]]

//“Looking at the other charts in comparison, it’s clear something happened to cause this spike in frequency and it just so happened I was hearing those echoes and the crying at the same time as this spike.”// [[This can’t be a coincidence]] [[The world’s in distress?]] [[What do you think this means?]]

//“I agree…perhaps the world was in distress and it was trying to tell us through the echoes and the flickering of the lights. This is certainly interesting, perhaps the world is growing as well? Because when it was just me running this place none of these abnormalities occurred…”// [[What do we do now?]]

“I was just thinking the same thing! Perhaps the world was trying to tell us through the echoes and the flickering of the lights. This is certainly interesting, perhaps the world is growing as well? Because when it was just me running this place none of these abnormalities occurred…” [[What do we do now?]]

“Perhaps the world was in distress and it was trying to tell us through the echoes and the flickering of the lights. This is certainly interesting, perhaps the world is growing as well? Because when it was just me running this place none of these abnormalities occurred…” [[What do we do now?]]

The elder smiles as he looks upon you with pride. //“I’m glad you asked, and here’s my answer. We're off to see the rest of the responsibilities I do here, and soon what you'll do here!”// [[Let's do it!]]

//“Your enthusiasm towards my work makes me proud! I can’t wait to show you this next device, this one is still new to even me!”// (live: 5s)[(goto: "Let's do it 2")]

As you and the elder head out of the building where the previous two devices were you eventually find yourself in front of a very simple-looking building like all the others around you. You head inside this building with the elder and notice an interesting piece of technology before you. [[Observe the device further]] [[Wait for the elder to explain]]

Looking at this device further you notice a couple of things. The first thing you notice is a large screen like you saw with the other devices, you also notice a large interface of buttons as well as what looks to be an input console that will interact with the screen and the rest of the device. [[Wait for the elder to explain]]

//"As you can see with this device, we have a large array of inputs as well as a screen to view what inputs we will be given into the device. This is called the Speech Messaging Console! With this device, all we do is type or speak a message to be communicated to the rest of the world and it will mimic and echo what we usually have heard before."// (live: 12s)[(goto: "Wait for the elder to explain 2")]

//"The other inputs on this console can change the tone of the echo as well as the expression behind it. If you wanted to express a happy message, for example, this console can help do that!"// [[Woah that's awesome!]] [[Impressive]] [[Pretty Cool]]

//"Awesome Indeed! Would you like to give it a spin?"// [[Sure!]]

//"Yes I was rather impressed when I discovered this device myself! Would you like to give it a go?"// [[Sure!]]

//"Agreed! Let’s try it out!"// [[Sure!]]

//“Alrighty! What I'm going to have you do is type or speak out the message with whatever other settings you want and I'm going to pull this crank to send the message out! Are you ready to try this device out?”// [[Yes]] [[Not yet]]

//“Great then let's get to it! I really wanna show you what this does and then finish up our tour! Now stand next to the input console and start making the input.”// [[Input Time!]]

//“Oh do you have more questions regarding this device or did you just want to say something before we began?”// [[Questions ->Questions 2]] [[Say Something]] [[Never mind, let's begin! ->Yes]]

(set: $tone to false) (set: $emotion to false) You approach the console, the elder is eagerly awaiting pulling the crank to send off the message. ''What will you say?'' [[Hello World!]] [[Go!]] [[Hey everyone, this is...!]]

[[What else can this device do?]] [[What will happen once you pull the crank?]] [[When have you used this before?]] [[What else is there to do after this?]] [[Say Something]]

[[This has been a great time!]] [[Thank you for showing me all this!]] [[Can't wait to see what this can do!]] [[Question ->Questions 2]]

//“Well from my understanding I covered all the basis, however, if you forgot what all you can do you can type or even speak inputs into the console and send those messages out to mimic an echo. You can also alter that message with other various inputs to make it come off a certain way or have an expression behind it. Do you have any more questions before we begin?”// [[More Questions ->Questions 2]] [[Say Something]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

//“Well once I pull on this crank here, the message with the inputs you will have put in will get sent to the world’s primary messaging center, and then we will get to hear the mimicked echo of whatever we sent them! Do you have any more questions before we begin?”// [[More Questions ->Questions 2]] [[Say Something]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

//“Well I haven’t had to use this very much so far, but this is a very fun device. I once sent the primary messaging center a sound of me crying to prank them and they made that into an echo. It was hilarious!”// [[More Questions ->Questions 2]] [[Say Something]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

//“Well after this I was going to show you the rest of what we have access to in this part of the world. I will reveal more as we get to it though, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise! Any other questions or can we try this bad boy out?”// [[More Questions ->Questions 2]] [[Say Something]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

The elder has the biggest visible smile on their face as they approach you with their wings wide open. The elder hugs you and says //“I’m glad you’ve had a good time…I’ve had a great time showing all this to you as well. We’ll soon be done and then we’ll get to do even more together!”// The elder soon after lets go of his embrace and stands before you, eager to begin. [[Say Something else ->Say Something]] [[Ask a question ->Questions 2]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

//“Thank you for being such a great and ambitious replacement, I will go happy knowing I’ve left this world in good hands with you!”// [[Say Something else ->Say Something]] [[Ask a question ->Questions 2]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

//“Yes! I can’t wait to see what input you’ll have the message center mimic. It’s going to be great!”// [[Say Something else ->Say Something]] [[Ask a question ->Questions 2]] [[Let's Begin ->Yes]]

(set: $message to 'Hello World!') As you insert your input into the console, the device’s display prints out //“Hello World!”// The device’s display also prints out //“Would you like to insert any alternative inputs?”// [[Yes ->Yes 2]] [[No ->The Result]]

(set: $message to 'Go!') As you insert your input into the console, the device’s display prints out //“Go!”// The device’s display also prints out //“Would you like to insert any alternative inputs?”// [[Yes ->Yes 2]] [[No ->The Result]]

(set: $message to 'Hey everyone, this is...!') As you insert your input into the console, the device’s display prints out //“Hey everyone, this is $namechoice!”// The device’s display also prints out //“Would you like to insert any alternative inputs?”// [[Yes ->Yes 2]] [[No ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to false) (set: $tone to false) The device’s display prints out //“What type of alternative inputs shall we be making today?”// [[Emotion Inputs]] [[Tone Inputs]]

The device’s display prints out //“What emotion would you like your message to have?”// [[Happy]] [[Sad]] [[Fear]] [[Disgust]] [[Anger]] [[Suprise]]

The device’s display prints out //“What emotion would you like your message to have?” // [[Enthusiastic]] [[Gloomy]] [[Whimsical]] [[Tense]] [[Light]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'happy') You have given the future input a happy emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'sad') You have given the future input a sad emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'fearsome') You have given the future input a fearsome emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'disgusted') You have given the future input a disgusted emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'angry') You have given the future input an angry emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $emotion to true) (set: $setemotion to 'suprised') You have given the future input a suprised emotion. (if:$tone is false)[[[Add a Tone ->Tone Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(if: $emotion is false)[(set: $setemotion to 'nonexistant')] As you finish up your message and prepare to send the message off the elder asks you //“Having fun over there? Oh boy, I can’t wait to send this out!”// You confirm that the message is ready to be sent off and then the elder pulls the crank with a jolt of excitement. (live: 12s)[(goto: "The Result 2")] (if: $tone is false)[(set: $settone to 'nonexistant')]

(set: $tone to true) (set: $settone to 'enthusiastic') You have given the future input an enthusiastic tone. (if:$emotion is false)[[[Add an Emotion ->Emotion Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $tone to true) (set: $settone to 'gloomy') You have given the future input a gloomy tone. (if:$emotion is false)[[[Add an Emotion ->Emotion Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $tone to true) (set: $settone to 'whimsical') You have given the future input a whimsical tone. (if:$emotion is false)[[[Add an Emotion ->Emotion Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $tone to true) (set: $settone to 'tense') You have given the future input a tense tone. (if:$emotion is false)[[[Add an Emotion ->Emotion Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

(set: $tone to true) (set: $settone to 'light') You have given the future input a light tone. (if:$emotion is false)[[[Add an Emotion ->Emotion Inputs]]] [[Done ->The Result]]

A few short moments after the elder pulls the crank to send the message out everything with the device goes dark. Knowing this the elder looks at you while still holding the crank saying //“Hm…there must be some kind of malfunction to the device here. Let’s see what happens if I crank the handle again”// (live: 12s)[(goto: "The Result 3")]

After the elder pulls the crank again you notice the device begins to shorten out and pulse with electricity. “$namechoice! Get back from the device!!” The elder yells out to you as you notice a jolt of electricity shocks the elder. (live: 12s)[(goto: "The Result 4")]

The elder gets shot off the crank into the wall and everything in the building goes dark, with the only form of light coming off of you and the elder as well as the lights from outside. You hear the elder cough and say //“Come here young one…”// [[Approach the elder]] [[Keep your distance]] <audio src="https://www.nickrader.com/files/electric%20shock.mp3" autoplay>

As you get closer and kneel down checking to see about the elder, the elder begins to cough again and says in a slight breath “I’m not sure what happened …”, right before the elder says anything else you hear them coughing again. (live: 12s)[(goto: "Approach the elder 2")]

The elder coughs and says //“It’s okay, it’s probably safer for you to stay your distance.”// The elder begins to cough again and says in a slight breath “I’m not sure what happened …”, right before the elder says anything else you hear them coughing again. (live: 12s)[(goto: "Approach the elder 2")]

The elder continues and says “That shock got me good, I don't think I’m going to be continuing this tour with you, Young one. Before I go, there is something you need to know, I left my future replacement a thing of notes I made for whenever I passed. You should head to where I considered my home and take up the notes there, all your answers will be there... (live: 12s)[(goto: "Approach the elder 3")]

...I’m sorry I couldn’t help you learn more… It’s been really fun getting to…” As the elder tries to continue what they were trying to say, they begin to fade as a faint light and the elder turns into nothing but a bunch of light particles and passes away in front of your very eyes. [[What do I do now?]]

As you sit there alone like you did when you first were created in this world. You ponder what to do next, mourning the loss of this great friend and mentor. You leave the house and look around for what might be the elder’s home. (live: 8s)[(goto: "What do I do now 2?")]

As you continue looking around you begin to hear an echo of a new voice saying //“I’m sorry to tell you this, but your child is diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. Your child will likely never speak to you or say I love you ever again.”// As well as hearing cries, but these are not the same cries you have heard before. You can tell these are cries of pain from a different voice. The echoes soon begin to stop, and you are left in silence with only one goal in mind. [[Find the elder's house]] <audio src="https://www.nickrader.com/files/woman-crying.wav" autoplay>

As you look around for other buildings you don't seem to notice any other structures of note, especially ones that look like houses. With no other idea of where to go, you begin to see the lights flicker once again as you begin to hear another echo of a familiar voice. [[Gather this data]]

You see this as an opportunity to see what you’ve learned from the elder and head back to the room you used to gather auditory and sensory data from. You enter the auditory device room and the device starts to pick up the echo you are hearing as well saying ⏤ //“What are we going to do honey, you heard what the doctor said. $childname will never speak.”// [[... ->Gather this data 2]]

You go over to the next room to pick up on the sensory data and you begin to hear another echo say ⏤ //“Honey, what is $childpronoun1 doing now? They’re sliding the ball back and forth! Oh, that’s right! Fixations! $childname must enjoy watching the ball go back and forth while also getting the sensory feeling of the ball on their hand!”// As you hear this you see the device pick up the sensory input and see that it is completely normal running. [[What could this all mean?]]

As you begin to ponder the correlation between the echoes and the chart you’re reading. You hear another echo with two different voices saying ⏤ //“Hey honey! What if we could use these fixations to help our child deal with other sensory issues! That's a great idea hun!”// After hearing this conversation go on with the echo, you notice another room that the elder never showed you. Nothing seems to be going on right now so it might be worth checking out. [[Check out this room]]

As you enter this brand new room the first thing you notice is the bed and a nightstand right beside it. You imagine this was the elder’s room that you were looking for, now you just need to find the notebook. [[Check out the bed]] [[Check out the nightstand]] [[Continue to observe the room]]

You see a nicely made bed with a dark blue sheet. There seems to be nothing else special about this bed, you imagine the elder had nice dreams about flying around to discover more about the world. [[Check out the nightstand]] [[Continue to observe the room]]

You see a small wooden nightstand beside this large bed. The nightstand has a small lamp on top of it and there are two drawers that make up the nightstand. [[Open the top drawer]] [[Open the bottom drawer]] [[Check out the bed]] [[Continue to observe the room]]

You continue to observe this room, and noticed a small window that has a nice view of the rest of the small town. [[Check out the bed]] [[Check out the nightstand]]

As you open the top drawer, you see papers of drawings of what looks like the elder flying around in an awesome-looking space scene. The elder was quite a dreamer! There seems to be nothing else in this drawer, however. [[Open the bottom drawer]] [[Check out the bed]] [[Continue to observe the room]]

You see the notebook in the drawer as well as a couple of writing utensils in a cup. [[Take the notebook]]

You take the notebook out from this large bottom drawer and leave the room. You feel the energy come over you as you hear an echo that has sounded quite different than the one you have heard before say ⏤ //“I leave everything to you, young one, I am so proud of you.”// You now feel motivated to carry out the work that the elder has been working for all this time. You open this notebook and begin to read the notes made to you, the replacement. [[Continue reading]]

Some while has passed as it feels like the work you learned from the elder is now just a routine. You’ve taken use of the elder’s bedroom as your own, making some adjustments along the way. You’ve heard some echoes of clear struggling, however, you have also heard some echoes of progress. It's clear that the teachings from both the elder and his writings have helped you grow as well as helped the world grow. [[... ->Continue reading 2]]

Today, you are simply doing daily maintenance on the device, picking up any new signals, and sending your messages. As you are waiting for a new auditory signal, you hear a new echo say ⏤ //“Now it is time to hear from our valedictorian, $childname Turner!”// [[Keep on the auditory device]] [[Go to the sensory device]]

As you decide to stay on the auditory device, you begin to hear a new echo come in with what sounds like clapping followed by a voice saying ⏤ //“Thank you, everyone, it’s an honor to be speaking today. Considering for a large part of my childhood I could not speak at all, it really is a gift being able to speak here before you. I have dealt with a good amount of struggles in my life as we all have. My struggle was being diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder at a young age and look at me now!”// [[Continue hearing this echo]]

You decide to move into the sensory device room and pick up nothing unusual from the device’s readings. You begin to pick up on a new echo starting off with a sound similar to clapping followed by some voice saying ⏤ //“Thank you, everyone, it’s an honor to be speaking today. Considering for a large part of my childhood I could not speak at all, it really is a gift being able to speak here before you. I have dealt with a good amount of struggles in my life as we all have. My struggle was being diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder at a young age and look at me now!”// [[Continue hearing this echo]]

As the echo continues on you feel the urgency to head to the speech messaging console to check and see if that’s still broken. As you walk over you hear the echoes saying ⏤ //“With the help of my parents, mentors, and those closest around me, I am now able to speak as anybody else does and I have found my passion. I want to be there for any other child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who won’t be able to develop their ability to speak and support the families of those children.”// [[... -> Continue hearing this echo 2]]

You finally make it to the speech messaging center and notice everything in the room is still like you had left it so long before. There was a small difference though, there was now a small blinking light going off on the device. [[Interact with the flashing light]]

As you look at where the flashing light is, there appears to be a small button. [[Press the button]] [[Don't press the button]]

You press the light and the speech device powers back on! The screen you had remembered putting your message into displayed that same message you had made before and it seemed like the device was just as you had seen it when you and the elder visited the device. The crank to the right of the device was as you left it as well, but who knows maybe the device will work this time? [[Send the message out]] [[Don't send the message out]]

You choose to ignore the button, the pain the device has caused you before was too much to bear in mind when thinking about potentially powering back on this device. You head back to the other devices in the other building and notice the world lights flickering as you hear a new echo say ⏤ //“My one final message for you, class of 2022, if you surround yourself with the best people and have the drive, you can accomplish anything in life. Thank you, everybody!”// [[What's happening]]

As you hesitate to pull the crank you begin to hear a familiar voice reach out to you saying ⏤ //“Don’t worry about the crank, believe that it will work this time young one!”// The second you hear this you pull the crank down sending your message out to the rest of the world. As you pull this crank the echo you predict will occur starts to say ⏤ “Also I wanted to thank” [[... -> Send the message out 2]]

You hesitate and give up on sending the message. It is nice to see that the device is properly functioning again, but you think it’s too much of a risk considering the last time the crank was pulled. You head out of the building and head back to the other devices when all of a sudden you hear another echo saying ⏤ //“My one final message for you, class of 2022, if you surround yourself with the best people and have the drive, you can accomplish anything in life. Thank you, everybody!”// [[What's happening]]

All of a sudden the currently running echo stops and says out “$message...” The message seemed to have gotten through and interrupted what the echoes were already saying, it also appears that it got said with a $settone tone and a $setemotion emotion backing it. You then hear an echo saying “I’m so sorry everyone, I am unsure what got over me.” [[... -> Send the message out 3]]

You note to yourself, //“Maybe let's be careful when we use this device again.”// You chuckle to yourself and head out of the building ... As you head to the other devices you hear another echo say ⏤ //“My one final message for you, class of 2022, if you surround yourself with the best people and have the drive, you can accomplish anything in life. Thank you, everybody!”// [[What's happening]]

Right after hearing this final message a swarm of warmth and fulfillment flows within you as you shine brighter than you ever have before. After a few short moments, you are able to see again and the second you look down at yourself you notice something is off. [[What the ...]]

Looking down at yourself you notice that your arms are no longer just arms, but they are wings! Just like the elder before you had a pair of wings, you think to yourself this must be what happens once you have known your purpose in life. [[Let's try these bad boys out!]]

You think about taking your new wings on a test drive after thinking about how it was always the elder's dream to fly around the world and see what else was out there, the only question is… ''where would you take off from?'' [[The top of the building]] [[The edge of the connection]] [[Maybe a small jump first]]

As you think about a practical approach to giving your wings a test fly. You find yourself at the top of the building you have used as your home for the longest time. Thinking about how one would fly, you begin to make ready to fly. All you need to do now is ''take the step.'' [[Take the Step -> Take the Step 2]] [[Dont -> Dont 2]]

As you want to truly try your new wings in flight and get right into exploring the world before you, you think to jump off the edge of where you lived for the longest time. Thinking about how one would fly, you begin to make ready to fly. All you need to do now is ''take the step.'' [[Take the Step -> Take the Step 2]] [[Don't -> Dont 2]]

Taking a much safer approach, considering you did just get these wings a minute ago. You think to take a running jump to try a glide to try your new wings out. Thinking about how one would fly, you begin to make ready to fly. All you need to do now is ''take the step.'' [[Take the Step -> Take the Step 2]] [[Don't -> Dont 2]]

You take your first step into this new world, getting ready to fly. Except for this time, you're not holding anything back. You are ready to explore the world. <h2>The End</h2> [[New Game?->Title Page]]

You decide maybe another day you’ll take your first new step in the world. It’s still very nice knowing whenever you’re ready to take that new step that you can. Now it is time to return to work. <h2>The End</h2> [[New Game?->Title Page]]

The elder motions you off the console as they get on real quick to hit the red emergency button on the wall next to the device to shut it off and stop the terribly loud echoes. The elder wipes their brow as they look at you saying in relief ⏤ //“Phew, that was interesting, to say the least. As you may have guessed this is new to me as well, I'm sure that was just an error in the device. I have no idea how we were able to hear it, however. Let's turn the device on and continue our tour of the town.”// [[Turn the device back on]]